This week also saw the release of the “At What Cost?” report into pricing in the technology sector. The ACS was able to provide commentary on the 11 outcomes of the report, and welcomes the increased focus on getting technology into the hands of more Australians. With an election around the corner, the ACS is pleased to see a greater deal of attention being paid to the digital economy and how it can benefit all Australians.

THE Australian Computer Society has called on the main political parties to address five key issues holding the Australian economy back.

These five issues have been identified by ACS in consultation with more than 20,000 Australian ICT professionals, ICT industry leaders, national education and training providers, key users of ICT, and through our own annual statistical research.

More than 550,000 Australians now work in ICT and the digital economy contributes more to GDP than mining. While the focus in recent years on improved digital infrastructure is welcome, it is time to focus more on how we best use that infrastructure.

The ACS believes that if these five key issues are not addressed as priorities, there is a real danger that the digital economy will suffer and the health of the broader economy with it.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has called for the creation of an ICT Ministerial Advisory Council to better inform the next federal government about the digital economy and how to tackle major industry challenges.

The formation of the council, which would also help coordinate state and federal ICT assistance programs, is one of five recommendations the ACS is advancing as part of its 2013 election agenda. The agenda also seeks to get both sides of politics to better recognise the role ICT plays in Australia’s wider economy.

According to the ACS, more than 550,000 Australians now work in ICT, while the digital economy contributes more to the country’s GDP than mining. However, a lack of government focus on how best to use Australia’s digital infrastructure risks the performance of both the digital and wider economies, the industry body claims.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS), and consumer groups ACCAN and CHOICE have urged the Federal Government to adopt the recommendations of its Inquiry into IT Pricing to help improve the accessibility of ICT to Australian businesses, educators, and those on low incomes or with a disability.

In a statement to ZDNet, an ACS spokesperson said adopting the report’s recommendations would help boost the productivity of the country's businesses, ICT professionals and research sectors.

"Australian ICT professionals should not be hindered in their access to technology simply based on where they live” the spokesperson said.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is pushing for ICT skills to be placed on the political agenda in the lead up to this year’s federal election, with a strong focus on schools.

It has issued a manifesto to the major parties in the hope that whichever forms government will address some of the major challenges the ACS sees obstructing the development of Australia’s digital industry.

ACS President Nick Tate told iTnews the process of fixing the ICT skills shortage needed to begin well before students reached university.

For more information on ACS Statements in the Week in Review, please contact